Effect of rinse cycle softener treatment on the low-stress mechanical properties of cotton-woven fabric

Abstract

Purpose The application of rinse cycle softener after the household laundry process has become more common in recent times. This study aims to understand the effect of repeated rinse cycle softener treatment on the mechanical and frictional properties of the cotton fabric. Design/methodology/approach Cotton-woven fabric is treated with commercial rinse cycle softener repeatedly for 15 times. After treatment, the fabric was evaluated for the changes in mechanical properties using the Kawabata evaluation system. Findings The results of this study revealed that the softener treatment reduces the tensile properties (41.25%) and increases the overall extensibility of the fabric up to 20.89%. The shear (34.57%) and bending rigidity of the treated fabric are reduced considerably than the untreated fabric (58.02%). The increment in the fabric softness and fluffiness was confirmed with the increment in the compression and the difference between the initial and final thickness at maximum pressure. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) is noted only in the case of bending and surface friction properties (dynamic friction). Originality/value The usage of rinse cycle softeners in the household laundry has a significant influence on the comfort characteristics of the cotton-woven fabric. Repeated usage of rinse cycle softener increased the fabric softness and fluffiness of the fabric and also reduced the tensile properties significantly.

A study of the physical properties and bending stiffness of antistatic and antibacterial knitted fabrics

“…In addition, it was determined that fabric dyeing and softening decreased the bending stiffness of the tested knitted fabrics due to both removed impurities and decreased inter-yarn and inter-fiber friction. 23,24 Figure 7 shows the relationships between bending stiffness and area density of the investigated knitted fabrics. The significant (when R 2 > 0.9) linear dependencies between bending stiffness and area densities were determined for the control samples (F) of the half-milano fabrics (Figure 7b) and for all the S samples of both knit patterns (Figure 7c and d).…”

“…In addition, it was determined that fabric dyeing and softening decreased the bending stiffness of the tested knitted fabrics due to both removed impurities and decreased inter-yarn and inter-fiber friction. 23,24…”

Pullulan Derivatives as Softening and Cleaning Additives for Laundry Detergents

“…With useful quantities of cationic modified pullulan derivatives available, their ability to modify fabric has been assessed. Fabric hand can be defined as the estimated quality of a garment assessed from the sense of touch . It is the result of multiple complex factors (e.g., type of fibers, fiber behavior, friction etc.…”

“…This adsorption provides a lubrication effect that reduces the friction between fibers, thus causing the observed increase in extensibility. 15,18 Increasing the number of cationic groups (Figure 3, CatPA vs CatPB) does not provide any noticeable improvement in fabric softness.…”

A study on the physical properties of 100% cellulosic woven fabrics

“…Tensile strength of a thread or cloth is expressed as an extreme load that it would tolerate deprived of breaking when exposed to uniaxial tensile load. 10 This strength of a woven cloth is one of the most significant characteristics which make it bigger in many applications as related to nonwoven and knitted clothes.…”